Gemstones - Background and Lore - Hessonite

Hessonite is a variety of garnet. It tends to be warm brownish yellows, brownish oranges, or brownish reds. Because of its color and historic connection with the spice producing country of Sri Lanka, the stone is also called the cinnamon stone. It is found in Brazil, Canada, Madagascar, Mexico, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and the US. It rates a 7-7.5 on the Moh's hardness scale, and its toughness is considered fair to good. It can fracture if exposed to extreme temperature changes, and it is attacked by hydrofluoric acid. Never steam clean this stone as it may fracture. It is usually safe to clean ultrasonically, but it is safest to use warm soapy water and a toothbrush. Some alternatives to hessonite include almandite, citrine, fire opal, sapphire, spessartite, topaz, and zircon.

The use of this stone increases creativity and good use of the imagination. It may also serve to increase the level of self-confidence and reduce the propensity to be fearful. It can also increase the awareness of a person's subtle senses and increase ambition, which may also be for spiritual advancement.

Physically, it is said to help nervous disorders and such degenerative diseases as cancer. It may improve immune functions and counteract the harmful effects of radiation. Hessonite is said to help avert disasters and to protect against evil spirits. Supposedly it can prevent or avert insanity and protect from sudden misfortunes. It also has a reputation for giving great abilities in the sciences.

Gemstones - Background and Lore - Amethyst

Amethyst has been the most prized member of the quartz family. Early Greek mythology, and its wine purple color, linked amethyst with the god of wine, Bacchus. Other beliefs include amethysts kept their wearers clear minded in battle and business.

One of the original sources of amethyst is Russia, but newer deposits were discovered in South America, Namibia, Sri Lanka, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, and India. Amethyst comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors. The colors range from light lavendar to luxurious purple. Amethyst's royal purple tones are considered the finest color.

Amethyst is the birthstone for February and is associated with the zodiac Pisces. It is believed to increase vivid dreams, relieve depression, promote calm, serenity, and spirituality. It is also believed to help with addiction and stress.

Amethysts are rated a 7 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness, and it has good toughness.
Amethyst can fracture or the color can be altered with severe temperature changes. And some amethysts may fade when exposed to prolonged light.
Amethyst may be damaged by hydrofluoric acid, ammonium fluoride, and alkalies

Some amethysts are treated with heat to lighten color or produce citrine or green quartz.

To clean amethyst, steam cleaning is NOT recommended. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually safe, but warm, soapy water is best.

Some other alternatives to amethyst include Iolite, Rhodolite garnet, Sapphire, Spinel, Tanzanite, Topaz, and Tourmaline.

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